Call to Order
Invocation & Pledge
Roll Call – All commissioners present
#1 from the New Business section was moved to the top of the agenda due to a representative from Davenport & Company having to drive back to Atlanta Tuesday evening.
Approve a Resolution authorizing the execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement and other related documents relating to the Public Facility Authority’s Revenue Bonds Series 2025
Christopher Holt of Davenport & Company reported that the bond sales were successfully executed earlier on August 5. The county received a AAA and AA-, the second highest rating for its credit rating a local government can receive. This positively impacted the interest rates for the bonds.
The bonds were sold competitively, which means bids were made. Wells Fargo, Mesirow Financial, TD Securities, and Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. all bid and Wells Fargo was the winning bidder.
Over the 20-year life of the bonds, $484,000 is for the cost of issuance and an underwriter discount of $311,437 with $61,5850,345 for the project fund and an interest rate of 3.74%. The debt service will amount to just under $51 million in the first 6 years of the debt service, in line with what was allocated with the 2025 SPLOST.
Commissioners voted approve the relevant resolution and it was approved 6-0.
Approval of Zoning Agenda
Planning & Zoning Director James Pope reported information on the Housing Study.
Turtle Landing Investments, LLC., has submitted an application to rezone approximately 71.17 acres AG-5 (Agricultural 5 acres sq. ft.) to R-80 (Residential 80,000 sq. ft.) for the purpose of creating a single-family subdivision. The property is located on Sinkhole Road and Ephesus Church Road.
Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial. View the zoning application.
Simmons made a motion to defer to the September meeting. Commissioners voted to defer in 6-0 vote.
Michael Mallard has submitted an application to rezone approximately 24.4 acres AG-5 (Agricultural 5 acres sq. ft.) to R-80 (Residential 80,000 sq. ft.) for the purpose of creating a single-family subdivision. The property is located on Clito Road.
Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial by a unanimous 5-0 vote. Staff recommended approval with conditions. View the zoning application. Motion by Commissioner Davis to deny the application, seconded by Newkirk, and commissioners voted 6-0 to deny the request.
Beverly Cannady has submitted an application to rezone approximately 6.07 acres AG-5 (Agricultural 5 acres sq. ft.) to R-80 (Residential 80,000 sq. ft.) for the purpose of subdividing an existing parcel into two separate parcels. The property is located at 1584 Old River Road South.
Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval by a unanimous 5-0 vote. Staff also recommended approval. View the zoning application. Commissioner Ray Davis asked to recuse himself from the discussion and vote. County Attorney Jeff Akins suggested that Davis could still vote because of the familial connection at the second cousin level. Still, Davis recused himself from the vote and went to sit in the audience during the vote. The rezone application was approved 5-0.
John and Marie Hunnicutt Family, LLLP., has submitted an application to rezone approximately 51 of the 64.95 acres AG-5 (Agricultural 5 acres sq. ft.) to R-8 (Residential 8,000 sq. ft.) for the purpose of creating a single-family subdivision. The property is located on U.S. Highway 80 East.
Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial by a unanimous 5-0 vote. Staff recommended approval with conditions. View the zoning application. The Hunnicutts were represented by attorney Steve Rushing.
The general motivation in this case is for the applicant to rezone the property in order to create conforming lots for a subdivision, and keep the remainder of the acreage zoned Highway Commercial. This subject property possesses road frontage on US Highway 80 East, a state-maintained highway, and Hagan Lane, a local county dirt road. The property is within the Suburban Neighborhood character area according to the Bulloch County 2045 Comprehensive Plan. The Suburban Neighborhood- Corridor character area zoning and design policies align with the applicant’s request. Water and sewer service by the City of Statesboro will be available at Burkhalter and U.S. 80.
The subject property abuts AG-5 zoned properties to the south, highway commercial zoned properties along U.S. 80, an existing mobile home park to the east, and an R-3 with conditions to the west. This property has historically been used for agricultural use, and is intended for residential and commercial uses. There are currently no structures present on this property. Staff analyzed this request to determine compliance with the governing standards for the exercise of zoning and subdivision powers within Bulloch County. The factors most relevant to this application were considered, including the neighboring land uses, lot sizes, the unique shape of the property, and the impact of the proposed request. Therefore, the staff recommends approval of the request for a rezone with conditions as provided in the following report.
Commissioner Ray Davis recused himself. Commissioner Newkirk made a motion to deny the application. Conner seconded. The motion to DENY the application failed in a 2-3 vote with Simmons, Mosley, and Rushing voting against the motion.
A motion was made to approve the application with conditions and it was approved 3-2 with Newkirk and Conner voting no.
ABA Development, LLC., has submitted an application to rezone approximately 50.13 acres AG-5 (Agricultural 5 acres sq. ft.) to R-25 (Residential 25,000 sq. ft.) for the purpose of creating a single-family subdivision. The property is located on Maria Sorrell Road.
Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval by a majority vote with 4-1 vote. Staff recommended approval with conditions. View the zoning application.
Rushing made a motion to approve rezone and it was approved 4-2 with Newkirk and Davis voting NO.
Jason Dunn has submitted an application to rezone approximately 23.78 acres AG-5 (Agricultural 5 acres sq. ft.) to HI (Heavy Industrial) for the purpose of operating a heavy manufacturing facility to process vegetative debris. The property is located at 276 Highway 119 North.
Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial by a majority vote with 2-1 vote. Staff recommended denial. View the zoning application. Commissioners voted 6-0 to deny the rezone request.
Jason Dunn has submitted an application for a conditional use to operate a heavy manufacturing facility to process vegetative debris. The property is located at 276 Highway 119 North.
Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial by a majority vote with 2-1 vote. Staff recommended denial. View the zoning application. This was conditional upon the previous item being approved, so no action was taken.
Blitch Place Land Co, LLC., has submitted an application to rezone 57.68 acres AG-5 (Agricultural 5 acres) to R-25 (Residential 25,000 sq. ft.) for the purpose of creating a subdivision. The property is located on Old Riggs Mill Road.
Planning & Zoning Commission recommended denial in 3-0 vote. Staff recommended denial of the rezone request. View the zoning application. Applicant requested to table the matter until the next meeting. Commissioners approved 6-0 to table.
Approval of General Agenda
Public Comments
No one signed up to speak.
Consent Agenda
Commissioners approved the agenda collectively with the exception of #6 – Ratify and Approve a Retention Agreement with Jarrard and Davis, LLP
Approve Executive Session Minutes July 1, 2025
Approve Executive Session Minutes July 15, 2025
Minutes July 15, 2025
Motion to approve the second and final renewal with Colonial Industries, Inc. for bulk oil and fluids to be used by Fleet Maintenance on county-maintained vehicles.
Approve the purchase of a Netclock Masterclock System Replacement from Mobile Communications America (MCA) in the amount of $16,117.00
Ratify and Approve a Retention Agreement with Jarrard and Davis, LLP
Approve the renewal of the On-Airport Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for maintenance service with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Statesboro Bulloch County Airport
Motion to Approve Contract Renewal Agreement with Clean by Lucy II, Inc. for Janitorial/Cleaning Services for Various BCRPD Buildings
New Business
#1 Was addressed before the start of the zoning agenda.
Approve a Resolution to tentatively adopt a millage rate for general maintenance and operations for calendar year 2025
O.C.G.A. 48-5-32.1(c) requires the Board of Commissioners to conduct three public hearings prior to levying the M&O millage rate if the Board has tentatively adopted a millage rate in excess of the rollback rate as defined in O.C.G.A. 48-5-32.1(a)(9). The presented resolution tentatively adopts an M&O millage rate of 11.35, which is in excess of the rollback rate but was recommended in the approved budget for this fiscal year. After conducting the three required public hearings, the Board will need to levy the M&O millage rate for this calendar year, which can be set at any rate as long as it does not exceed the tentatively adopted millage rate of 11.35.
Approved 5-1 with Newkirk opposing.
Motion to Approve Submission of an Application to GEMA for the Acquisition of 1500 Live Oak Lane Road, Pembroke, Georgia 31321
Purpose: Seeking approval to move forward and submit an application to GEMA for the acquisition of 1500 Live Oak Lane Road.
Tabled until September meeting.
Motion to Approve Submission of an Application to GEMA for the Acquisition of 691 Live Oak Lane Road, Pembroke, Georgia 31321
Purpose: Seeking approval to move forward and submit an application to GEMA for the acquisition of 691 Live Oak Lane Road.
Tabled until September meeting.
Approval of Pre Disaster Contract: CERES
The Review Team recommends and request approval from the Board of Commissioners to enter into Pre- Disaster Storm Debris Removal Services Contract with CERES Environmental Services, Inc., as one of two most qualified responsive firms.
Approved 6-0
Approval Pre Disaster Contract: Thompson
The Review Team recommends and request approval from the Board of Commissioners to enter into Pre- Disaster Storm Debris Monitoring and Management Services Contract with Thompson Consulting Services, LLC., as one of two most qualified responsive firms.
Approved 6-0
Approval of Pre Disaster Contract: Debris Tech
The Review Team recommends and request approval from the Board of Commissioners to enter into Pre- Disaster Storm Debris Monitoring and Management Services Contract with Debris Tech, LLC., as one of two most qualified responsive firms.
Approved 6-0
Approval of Pre Disaster Contract: SDR
The Review Team recommends and request approval from the Board of Commissioners to enter into Pre- Disaster Storm Debris Removal Services Contract with Southern Disaster Recovery, LLC. as one of two most qualified responsive firms.
Approved 6-0
Request approval of purchase of 3 motor graders from Yancey CAT
Staff recommends and requests the Consideration of a Motion for the purchase of (2) 2026 Caterpillar Model: 140 15B AWD Motor Graders in the amount of $756,434.00 (Sourcewell Contracts) and (1) 2026 Caterpillar Model: 150 15A AWD Motor Grader with Sloper in the amount of $475,577.00 (Sourcewell Contracts) to Yancey CAT. For a total price of $1,232,011.00. With the purchase of these machines, we have asked Yancey to evaluate and supply us with an as-is trade in value of 4 motor graders.
These items will be purchased with funds from TSPLOST.
Approved 6-0
#6 from Consent agenda – Ratify and Approve a Retention Agreement with Jarrard and Davis, LLP
This is related to the Riverbluff Properties LLC (Robbie Bell) v. Bulloch County Commissioners lawsuit. Commissioner Rushing asked why the county needed to hire a law firm beyond Akins and George Rountree. Akins explained some commissioners wanted attorneys with
Rushing brought up that the law firm is $660/hour for attorneys, and $365 for legal assistants, among other expenses. Rushing said someone was trying to dodge a black eye. He said they shouldn’t be hiring an outside firm.
Toby Conner said commissioners weren’t willing to pay more than it would cost to pay Akins and Rountree. Akins replied that the firm has already completed work, including having an answer filed. He said there was an urgent time frame for the answer to be filing, which is why the firm completed some of the work.
Rushing asked if Akins could defend the case. He said yes.
Chairman David Bennett said his thought process was to seek outside legal counsel for specialty cases, as they have done in other instances. Commissioners Newkirk and Davis both shared they support having a law firm that specializes in litigation and zoning.
Rushing said he had more confidence in Akins and Rountree than everyone else.
CFO Kristie King clarified that Rountree is not a county employee so he also bills the county, in addition to Akins’ salary, so there would be some offset on costs with the other firm.
Commissioner Simmons said this will all set a precedent. “We either gonna be filled up with lawsuits or we ain’t. I do have confidence in Jeff and Mr. Rountree, but we did leave it in Jeff’s hands.”
Chairman Bennett called for a motion. Rushing made a motion to deny, it was seconded by Simmons. The motion failed 2-4.
Newkirk made a motion to approve the ratification of the contract. It was approved 4-2 with Simmons and Rushing opposing.
Commission & Staff Comments
Executive Session
Personnel & Real Estate
